Marksman training tool and training methods employing the tool

ABSTRACT

The disclosure provides a marksman training tool, a method of teaching marksmanship, and a system for instructing marksmanship. The marksman training tool provides an all-weather, visual training aid for teaching marksmanship. In one example, the marksman training tool includes: (1) a base constructed of a non-opaque material, and (3) a weapon sight representation permanently applied to the base. In one example, the method includes: (1) obtaining a marksman training tool, wherein the marksman training tool includes a non-opaque base with a weapon sight representation permanently applied thereto, and (2) demonstrating to at least one student, employing the marksman training tool, a representation of a view of a weapon system sight with respect to a target, wherein the weapon sight representation corresponds to the weapon system sight.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 62/870,656, filed by Robert Frank Lyons on Jul. 3, 2019, entitled“MARKSMAN TRAINING TOOL AND TRAINING METHODS EMPLOYING THE TOOL,”commonly assigned with this application and incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure generally relates to a visual training aid for both afield setting and a classroom environment and, more specifically, avisual training aid employable when providing instruction on, forexample, marksmanship, weapons tactics, or shooting diagnostics.

BACKGROUND

Professional instructors in marksmanship throughout the shootingindustry have identified short falls in their ability to effectively andprofessionally relay crucial knowledge in marksmanship to theirstudents. Instructors, for example, would often use their fingers, drawon the ground, or cut out chunks of cardboard to create visual examplesin an attempt to deliver valuable information regarding marksmanship totheir students. Unfortunately, many of the existing methods are hinderedby limited access to professional classroom facilities, inclementweather, and language barriers when training foreign students.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, the disclosure provides a marksman training tool. In oneexample, the marksman training tool includes: (1) a base constructed ofa non-opaque material, and (3) a weapon sight representation permanentlyapplied to the base.

In yet another aspect, the disclosure provides a method of teachingmarksmanship. In one example, the method includes: (1) obtaining amarksman training tool, wherein the marksman training tool includes anon-opaque base with a weapon sight representation permanently appliedthereto, and (2) demonstrating to at least one student, employing themarksman training tool, a representation of a view of a weapon systemsight with respect to a target, wherein the weapon sight representationcorresponds to the weapon system sight.

In yet another aspect, the disclosure provides a system for instructingmarksmanship. In one example, the system includes: (1) a target and (2)a marksman training tool that includes a base constructed of anon-opaque material and a weapon sight representation permanentlyapplied to the base.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure may be understood by reference to the following detaileddescription taken in conjunction with the drawings briefly describedbelow.

FIGS. 1 to 2 illustrate examples of marksman training tools constructedaccording to the principles of the disclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates a diagram of an example of using the marksmantraining tools of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 together according to the principlesof the disclosure;

FIGS. 4 to 5B illustrate other examples of marksman training toolsconstructed according to the principles of the disclosure;

FIG. 6 illustrates a diagram of an example of using a combination ofmarksman training tools for instructing a student with a targetaccording to the principles of the disclosure;

FIG. 7 illustrates a diagram of an example of teaching marksmanshipemploying a marksman training tool according to the principles of thedisclosure; and

FIG. 8 illustrates a flow diagram of an example of a method 800 ofteaching marksmanship carried out according to the principles of thedisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosure provides a training aid for teaching marksmanship that isan all-weather, day or night, durable tool that allows engaging studentswith visual, audio and kinesthetic learning tendencies without dependingon the use of a classroom. The disclosed product, a marksman trainingtool, provides a more accurate representation of actual sights thatstudents are using compared to teaching tools that are presently beingused; especially those used in the field. The accurate representationscan increase the effectiveness of training when teaching students with aprimary language different to that of the instructor. Furthermore, themarksman training tool can aid in student diagnostics by allowingstudents to demonstrate to his/her instructor marksmanship issues asthey see them through their own sights. Various versions of the marksmantraining tool can be manufactured in different sizes and can betypically carried in wallets, pockets or cases, such as brief cases.

The marksman training tool is a visual teaching aid that has arepresentation of a sight of a weapon system on a medium or base that isnon-opaque. The non-opaque base can be a transparent or translucentbase. The type of material, thickness and dimensions of the base canvary based on the needs of the instructor and the environment in whichthe instructors are teaching. The base can be constructed of, forexample, a thermoplastic, such as acrylic (also known as plexiglass), ora polycarbonate, such as Lexan. The base can be constructed of othertransparent or translucent materials, also. The type of material usedfor the base can vary depending on the size of marksman training tooland the desired flexibility. The representation of the sight, referredto herein as a weapon sight representation, can be permanently added,applied, and/or affixed to the base via one of multiple processes, suchas by superimposing, printing, cutting, etching or burning. The weaponsight representation can be permanently applied by being laminated tothe base, wherein the weapon sight representation is between the baseand another non-opaque sheet.

The weapon sight representation can be designed to represent multipletypes of similar sights of weapon systems, i.e., a generic sight, or canbe specifically designed to represent a single sight of a particularweapon system. The weapon sight representation can correspond to asimple sight or an optical sight. As such, the weapon sightrepresentation can be the image of an iron sight, of a reticle, or acombination of both. The weapon sight representation can be employed asa single sight or reticle as seen by a student in their organic sight oroptic. The weapon sight representation can be employed as a two piecesystem that represents a front and rear sight, such as seen by a studentfor a specific weapon system. FIG. 3 and FIG. 6 illustrate examples ofemploying two marksman training tools together, wherein the bases can beof the same size and shape (FIG. 3) or can have a different size orshape (FIG. 6). Accordingly, a marksman training tool can be configured,i.e., designed or constructed, to be used with another marksman trainingtool.

A weapon system as used herein is a type of weapon that expels aprojectile by the action of an explosive. For example, a weapon systemcan be a firearm, such as a rifle, a pistol, or another type of portablegun. A weapon system can also be large caliber guns, such as artillery.The marksman training tool can be employed as a single sight or reticleas seen by a student in their organic sight or optic of a weapon system.The marksman training tool can also be employed as a two piece systemthat represents a front and rear sight, such as seen by a student for aspecific weapon system.

Advantageously, an instructor can use the marksman training tool withoutneeding electricity, batteries or any mechanical assistance to function.Instead, the marksman training tool can be used through the physicalmanipulation of the student or instructor depending on the period ofinstruction, i.e., the student is explaining what they are see using themarksman training tool or the instructor is teaching what the studentshould see using the marksman training tool. As such, the marksmantraining tool can be easily used for training in multiple environments,such as an indoor environment and an outdoor environment. An indoorenvironment can be a classroom and an outdoor environment can be in thefield. Training in the field, or field training, is training that occursin an outdoor environment that is exposed to the elements of nature.

The disclosed marksman training tool can be employed in differentmethods of teaching students. For example, instructors can employseveral enhanced teaching methods with the aid of the marksman trainingtool. To start, the instructor can hold the marksman training tool up tothe students target and show the student an extremely accuraterepresentation of what their sights should look like when they sight in.This can greatly reduce the amount of time an instructor spendsattempting to explain to a student what they should be seeing orexperiencing.

In addition, the marksman training tool with its non-opaque base can beused in conjunction with a screen to provide unique training, includingremote training. The screen can be a projection screen or that of a TV,monitor, or another type of display that visually provides a scene ofpictures or videos. The marksman training tool can be held up to ascreen to overlay an image of a weapon sight representation on a scene.The marksman training tool can include a non-scratching buffer, such asa felt pad, which allows freely and safely sliding the tool across thescreen for instruction. In doing so, an instructor can use the marksmantraining tool with movies, images, prepared slides or any other mediadisplayed on a screen as teaching resources for teaching marksmanship.

Furthermore, the marksman training tool can be utilized for teachingcomplex formulas for marksmanship calculations, which typically requiresinstructing students in a classroom. For example, a student can take animage of an object of a known actual size and overlay a sniper marksmantraining tool over the object. The student can then reference the sizeof the object using the measurements within the marksman training tool,e.g., the mils (milliradian or mrad) of the sight. If measured properly,a student can input this data (e.g., size in mils) into a known formulato determine the objects range. Similarly, the marksman training toolcan be used to determine the size of an object or target. Some othermethods employing the marksman training tool for marksmanshipcalculations can include, other similar Mil radian formulas, windestimations, and bullet drop compensations. FIG. 5B illustrates anexample of a weapon sight representation having mils that can be usedfor marksmanship calculations. These are examples of methods that areused by advanced marksman or snipers and typically require intenseinstruction in a controlled environment, e.g., an indoor environment, tobe taught properly. The marksman training tool greatly improves aninstructor's ability to teach these skills prior to testing on ashooting range.

The marksman training tool has an extremely unique ability to aid instudent diagnostics. For example, when a student is experiencingdifficulty with any marksmanship task and cannot properly explain it tothe instructor, the student can simply show the instructor what they areexperiencing using the marksman training tool. These examples representunique advantages provided by the marksman training tool as disclosedherein. These and other versions and advantages of the disclosure, aswell as the details of illustrative embodiments, will be more fullyunderstood from the following Figures.

FIGS. 1-5B each include examples of a marksman training tool with aweapon sight representation permanently affixed to a non-opaque base.Each non-opaque base of FIGS. 1-5B can be constructed of a transparentor translucent material, such as a material disclosed herein. The shapeand dimensions of each base can vary depending on the application. Forexample, the dimensions can correspond to the size of a credit card orbe 8½ inches by 11 inches. Other sizes can also be used. The shape ofthe base can that of a rectangle or another geometric shape. Theorientation of the weapon sight representation on each base can vary,such as shown in FIG. 6. The weapon sight representation for each of themarksman training tool examples can be of different colors to indicatecertain target features, such as distances or centering. For example,the color red can be used to indicate a centered target. A dashed box inFIG. 5B provides an example of a portion of a weapon sightrepresentation that can be red.

FIG. 1 illustrates a diagram of an example of a marksman training tool100 constructed according to the principles of the disclosure. Themarksman training tool 100 includes a base 110 and a weapon sightrepresentation 120. The base 110 is constructed of a non-opaque materialand the weapon sight representation 120 is permanently applied to thebase. The weapon sight representation 120 can be designed to representmultiple types of similar sights or can be specifically designed to onlyrepresent a particular sight. The weapon sight representation 120corresponds to a simple sight, such as an iron sight.

FIG. 2 illustrates a diagram of another example of a marksman trainingtool 200 constructed according to the principles of the disclosure. Themarksman training tool 200 includes a base 210 and a weapon sightrepresentation 220. The base 210 is constructed of a non-opaque materialand the weapon sight representation 220 is permanently applied to thebase. The weapon sight representation 220 corresponds to a simple sight,such as an iron sight.

FIG. 3 illustrates a diagram of an example of using the marksmantraining tool 100 and the marksman training tool 200 together accordingto the principles of the disclosure. The marksman training tool 100 canbe used for a front sight and the marksman training tool 200 can be usedfor a back sight. Since the base 110 is non-opaque, the weapon sightrepresentation 220 of the marksman training tool 200 can be seen andaligned with the weapon sight representation 120 of the marksmantraining tool 100.

FIG. 4, FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B illustrate diagrams of examples of marksmantraining tool 400, 500, and 550 constructed according to the principlesof the disclosure. The marksman training tool 400 includes a base 410and a weapon sight representation 420. The marksman training tool 500includes a base 510 and a weapon sight representation 520. The weaponsight representation 520 provides an example of a weapon sight that canbe used for bullet drop compensation, wherein the crossed linescorrespond to target distances. For example, 4, 6, and 8 can indicate400, 600, and 800 yards to a target. The marksman training tool 550includes a base 560 and a weapon sight representation 570. The weaponsight representation 570 includes markings that correspond to mils,which can be used for marksmanship calculations. Each solid circle canrepresent a mil and each dash can represent 0.5 mil. The weapon sightrepresentations 420, 520, and 570 each correspond to a reticle of aweapon system. A dashed box 575 is also illustrated to show the someweapon sight representations can include more than one color. In FIG.5B, the part of the weapon sight representation 570 inside the dashedbox 575 can be red.

FIG. 6 illustrates a diagram of an example of using a combination ofmarksman training tools 610 for instructing a student 620. FIG. 6 alsoincludes a pistol 630 being held by a hand of the student 620 and athree dimensional target 640. An instructor 650 (or hand of aninstructor) holding the marksman training tools 610 is also shown. Thecombination of marksman training tools 610 simulate what the student 620will see as they line up their own sights of the pistol 630. Themarksman training tools 610 can be or can be similar to, for example,marksman training tool 100 and marksman training tool 200. FIG. 6illustrates the multiple marksman training tools having different shapedand/or sized bases can be used together.

FIG. 7 illustrates a diagram of an example of teaching marksmanshipemploying a marksman training tool according to the principles of thedisclosure. FIG. 7 includes a screen 710 and a marksman training tool720. On the screen 710 is a scene 712 that includes a target 714 and atarget 716. The marksman training tool 720 includes a base 722, a weaponsight representation 724, and non-scratching buffers, of which one isdesignated element 726. The screen 710 can be at the same location of astudent or can be remote from the student. As such, an instructor can bewith the screen 710 and employ the marksman training tool 720 to providevirtual instruction to the student who is in another location from thescreen 710 and the instructor.

The screen 710 can be a screen for receiving a projection of a video orpictures, i.e., a projection screen, or a screen of a display associatedwith a computing device, such as a computing pad, laptop, or desktop.The marksman training tool 720 can be slid or moved across the screen710 to represent engaging the different targets 714 and 716 by placingthe weapon sight representation 724 of the different targets 714 and716. This can demonstrate to a student what their weapon sight shouldlook like when engaging the different targets 714 and 716. The scene 712can be stationary or moving. For example, the scene 712 can be from aphoto or a video. As such, the scene 712 can be used to train onshooting a moving target. The different targets 714 and 716 can be usedto simulate known distances, such as from a student and weapon system,for teaching. The weapon sight representation 724 can also be used totrain students on marksmanship calculations, such as bullet dropcompensation or others discussed herein. For example, the marksmantraining tool 720 can correspond to the marksman training tool 500 ofFIG. 5A for bullet drop calculations or a marksman training tool such asthe marksman training tool 550 of FIG. 5B for mil calculations. Thedifferent marksman training tools can be moved over or relative to thedifferent targets 714 and 716 for the calculations.

The marksman training tool 720 can be moved over the different targets714 and 716 by an instructor (not shown) sliding the marksman trainingtool 720 over the screen 710 using the non-scratching buffers 726. Thenon-scratching buffers 726 can be permanently or removeably attached tothe base 722. A glue or epoxy can be used for attaching.

FIG. 8 illustrates a flow diagram of an example of a method 800 ofteaching marksmanship carried out according to the principles of thedisclosure. The method 800 begins in step 805.

In step 810, a marksman training tool is obtained. The marksman trainingtool can be of various sizes, shapes, and types. The marksman trainingtool can be obtained from a wallet, a pocket, a brief case, etc.Regardless the size, shape, or type, the marksman training tool includesa non-opaque base with a weapon sight representation permanently appliedthereto. The weapon sight representation can be permanently be appliedto the base according to various means.

In step 820, a representation of a view of a weapon system sight withrespect to a target is demonstrated employing the marksman trainingtool, wherein the weapon sight representation corresponds to the weaponsystem sight. The demonstration can be performed by an instructor to atleast one student. The target can be a three dimensional target or a twodimensional target, such as a bullseye. The target can be within a sceneon a screen and the demonstrating can include moving the marksmantraining tool across the scene on the screen to simulate engaging thetarget. More than one marksman training tool can be used for thedemonstration.

A student can employ the marksman training tool in step 830 todemonstrate the view of the weapon system sight according to their view.This allows the instructor to understand what the student is seeing whenlooking through their sight. Such visual communication is extremelyhelpful when the instructor and student do not speak the same language.

In step 840, marksmanship calculations can be evaluated employing themarksman training tool. For example, the weapon sight representation ofthe marksman training tool can include a reticle with mils that are usedfor the marksmanship calculations. The marksmanship calculations caninclude determining the range of an object, i.e., a target, the size ofthe target, wind estimations, bullet drop compensations, and other Milradian formulas.

The method 800 continues to step 850 and ends. The method 800 can berepeated employing different marksman training tools, different targets,different distances, or a combination thereof.

The foregoing has outlined preferred and alternative features of thepresent invention so that those skilled in the art may better understandthe detailed description of the invention that follows. Additionalfeatures of the invention will be described hereinafter that form thesubject of the claims of the invention. Those skilled in the art shouldappreciate that they can readily use the disclosed conception andspecific embodiment as a basis for designing or modifying otherstructures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention.Those skilled in the art should also realize that such equivalentconstructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A marksman training tool, comprising: a baseconstructed of a non-opaque material; and a weapon sight representationpermanently applied to the base.
 2. The marksman training tool asrecited in claim 1, wherein the weapon sight representation correspondsto a single sight viewable in an organic sight or optic of a weaponsystem.
 3. The marksman training tool as recited in claim 2, wherein theweapon system is a firearm.
 4. The marksman training tool as recited inclaim 1, wherein the base is constructed of a transparent material. 5.The marksman training tool as recited in claim 1, wherein the base isconstructed of a translucent material.
 6. The marksman training tool asrecited in claim 1, wherein the base is constructed of a thermoplastic.7. The marksman training tool as recited in claim 1, wherein the weaponsight representation is configured to correspond with a weapon sightrepresentation of another marksman training tool.
 8. The marksmantraining tool as recited in claim 1, further comprising one ornon-scratching buffer attached to the base.
 9. The marksman trainingtool as recited in claim 1, wherein the base is constructed of atransparent thermoplastic, at least two non-scratching buffers arepermanently attached to the base, and the weapon sight representationcorresponds to the optics of a weapon system.
 10. A method of teachingmarksmanship, comprising: obtaining a marksman training tool, whereinthe marksman training tool includes a non-opaque base with a weaponsight representation permanently applied thereto; and demonstrating toat least one student, employing the marksman training tool, arepresentation of a view of a weapon system sight with respect to atarget, wherein the weapon sight representation corresponds to theweapon system sight.
 11. The method as recited in claim 10, wherein thedemonstrating is performed by an instructor.
 12. The method as recitedin claim 10, wherein the target is within a scene on a screen.
 13. Themethod as recited in claim 12, wherein the demonstrating includes movingthe marksman training tool across the scene on the screen to simulateengaging the target.
 14. The method as recited in claim 10, furthercomprising evaluating marksmanship calculations employing the marksmantraining tool.
 15. The method as recited in claim 10, further comprisingdemonstrating, by the at least one student and employing the marksmantraining tool, the view of the weapon system sight according to the atleast one student.
 16. The method as recited in claim 10, wherein thetarget is a three dimensional shooting target.
 17. The method as recitedin claim 10, wherein the demonstrating includes employing an additionalmarksman training tool.
 18. A system for instructing marksmanship,comprising: a target; and a marksman training tool that includes a baseconstructed of a non-opaque material and a weapon sight representationpermanently applied to the base.
 19. The system as recited in claim 18,wherein the target is a three dimensional or a two dimensional target.20. The system as recited in claim 18, wherein the target is part of ascene on a screen.